Approaching Problems with Empathy: Lessons from UX & Digital Product Design

Hi Jit-Aree! who are you and what do you do? 

Hi, I'm Jit-Aree. I moved from Thailand to Sweden in 2020 and currently work at Kubal as an IT Business Analyst. With a strong IT background from my time in Thailand, I’ve spent the past four years helping bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.

You recently took "UX & Digital Product Design". What made you choose this course? 

I chose the UX & Digital Product Design course to deepen my understanding of user-centered design and strengthen my ability to create meaningful digital experiences. As an IT Business Analyst, I often work closely with users and developers, so the course helped me better connect business goals with real user needs and improve communication across teams.

What did you take away from the course?

I gained a strong foundation in UX principles, design thinking, and practical tools like user research, prototyping, and testing. The course emphasized the value of involving both users and developers early in the process, and how to turn insights into actionable design solutions. Most importantly, it taught me to approach problems with empathy for the user.

What was it like having Nirish Shakya as your instructor?

Nirish was an inspiring and supportive teacher. He created a safe learning environment where we felt comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions. His real-world experience and engaging teaching style made the course both practical and motivating.

What did you find the most fun or valuable during the course? 

I found the hands-on group project the most fun and valuable part of the course. It allowed me to apply what I learned—everything from research to prototyping—in a real-world context. The biggest “aha” moment was during our brainstorming sessions, where we combined different perspectives and ideas into a completely new solution. It truly showed me the power of collaboration and how working as a team can lead to more creative and effective outcomes.

Have you been able to apply what you learned? 

I’ve been able to apply what I learned by bringing more user-centered thinking into my work. I now involve users earlier in the process, use techniques like user interviews and journey mapping, and communicate design ideas more effectively through prototypes. In one project, I shared a prototype with users before development began, which helped validate the idea and ensured the solution met their real needs.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

A typical day involves gathering requirements, writing user stories/contexts, and aligning with both business stakeholders and developers. I often join meetings to clarify needs, support testing, and make sure the solutions fit user expectations. I also spend time reviewing feedback and continuously improving the process.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is being the bridge between users and developers—translating business needs into clear, actionable solutions. I enjoy using my critical thinking to solve problems and find practical answers. It feels great to see how the final product can truly improve both user experiences and business processes.

And the challenges?

One of the biggest challenges is balancing the needs of different stakeholders, especially when business goals and user needs don’t fully align. It can be tricky to communicate technical limitations in a way that everyone understands. But I see these challenges as a chance to improve collaboration and find the best possible solution.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from everyday problems and how people interact with technology. I enjoy learning from real user feedback and seeing how small changes can make a big difference. Podcasts, design communities, and case studies also give me new ideas and perspectives.

Do you have a career tip you’d like to share?

My tip is to stay curious and never stop learning—UX and tech are always evolving. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share ideas, or step outside your comfort zone. And most importantly, listen to users—they often hold the key to the best solutions.

What would you say to someone considering taking this course?

I’d say go for it! This course gives you a solid foundation in UX with practical tools you can
apply right away. The course offers a great mix of theory, hands-on projects, and collaboration —and you’ll learn a lot from both the teacher and your classmates.